FANTAGRAPHICS' New NOW Project To 'Expose Cartoonists' Work To Fresh Eyes'

Fantagraphics Books Inc. is proud to announce the arrival of Now, a tri-annual anthology series with all new stories that highlights the diversity and talent of cartoonists all over the globe. The first issue is set to debut at the Small Press Expo (SPX) in Bethesda, MD and will arrive in comic shops and bookstores September 20th, 2017.

We live in a golden age of quality comic art and stories. Graphic novels have never been more popular. But where to start? Now aspires to be an affordable and ongoing anthology of new comics that appeals both to the comics-curious as well as the serious aficionado. In the age of long form graphic novels, Now also intends to provide a platform for short fiction, experimentation, and for showcasing diversity in the comics field. The only common denominator to each piece is an exemplary use of the comics form.

Now is the brainchild of Fantagraphics Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds, who previously edited 22 volumes of the fondly-remembered anthology Mome from 2005-2011. In a recent interview with Tom Spurgeon of The Comics Reporter, Eric Reynolds stated “I hope [Now] not only gives [cartoonists] a place to publish work that otherwise might not easily fit elsewhere, but also inspire them to do that kind of work….and to expose their work to fresh eyes.”

The first issue will feature fan-favorites and fresh finds alike, and includes new work from acclaimed creators such as Eleanor Davis (How To Be Happy), Noah Van Sciver (Fante Bukowski), Gabrielle Bell (Lucky), Dash Shaw (Cosplayers), Sammy Harkham (Crickets), and Malachi Ward (Ancestor), as well as international stars such as J.C. Menu, Conxita Herrerro, Tobias Schalken, and Antoine Cossé. Plus strips from rising stars Tommi Parrish, Sara Corbett, Daria Tessler, and newcomer Kaela Graham, as well as a gorgeous painted cover by Pennsylvania artist Rebecca Morgan.

Now #1 will appear in the July issue of the Diamond Previews catalog for a September release and the second issue of the series is set to release in January 2018. Fantagraphics.com is offering an exclusive three issue subscription service for Now.